BC Group has released the Monopolar Handpiece Simulator, the most recent accessory for the ESU-2400 and ESU-2400H electrosurgical analyzers. According to the company, the simulator improves safety during testing of electrosurgical generators by replacing the electrosurgical handpiece, or pencil.
BC Group reports that the simulator is built to work like the pencil, but uses internal relays to activate cut and coagulation (coag). Since it is controlled by the ESU-2400 or ESU-2400H, the simulator allows further automated testing of more electrosurgical generators than before. Using the same connector and wiring as a standard two-button electrosurgical pencil, the Monopolar Handpiece Simulator can safely activate the cut and coag output.
According to BC Group, biomedical technicians previously had to activate the handpiece cut and coag power by inserting insulated jumpers into the monopolar output ports. This method is dangerous, posing a risk for severe burns. The danger is avoided, BC Group says, by using the new simulator.
The Monopolar Handpiece Simulator is said to be a versatile instrument, designed for use with any electrosurgical generator that utilizes a standard three-pin monopolar port for electrosurgical pencils. Compatible models include the Conmed System 5000 or 2450, the Coviden ForceTriad or ForceFx, and Bovie generators.
For more information about the simulator (part number BC20-03005), visit the BC Group website.
There’s sound technical rationale behind the use of short jumpers to activate the ESU during tests of HF leakage current to earth from the NE connector, per IEC 60601-2-2. And that is to minimize the stray capacitance to earth from the monopolar active output; on some ESUs, even a single picoFarad can boost NE leakage measurements by 10 mA in spray coag mode. This device appears to present at least 5 pF and thus may fail otherwise conforming ESUs. Its only benefit to the biomed is automation of that test sequence.
The short jumper method can be done perfectly safely if at least one of the jumper plugs is fitted with an insulating handle a few cm long.
I am the former co-chair of the AAMI HF Committee and author of IEC text describing this test method.